Phaselis Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Phaselis has 3 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Phaselis is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Phaselis are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m in the central and south bays; 45m in the north bay. Phaselis offers three bays to choose from depending on wind direction — in NW meltemi, the central and south bays are comfortable; in SE/E conditions, the north bay is preferable. Never anchor directly over or within 20m of archaeological ruins (ancient harbour walls, column bases visible in the water).

May–October. July–August is busy but the three-bay layout means you can usually find a comfortable spot. Spring and autumn are calmer and the ruins are less crowded. The archaeological site closes in winter.

Navigation Hazards

• Archaeological restriction — do NOT anchor directly over underwater ruins; keep 20m clear of visible ancient structures
• Multiple bays with different wind exposures — check the forecast to choose the correct bay for overnight
• Day-visitor boats arrive from Antalya and Kemer from 10:00–16:00; bays can be very crowded at lunchtime
• Poyraz (NE) can make the central and south bays uncomfortable — move to the north bay in NE conditions
• Seagrass patches in all three bays — find clear sand to anchor

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchoring). Site entry fee applies for the archaeological park (paid ashore).
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROTECTION: Do not anchor within 20m of visible ancient harbour walls, column bases, or ruins in the water. Anchoring in the bay is permitted — anchoring directly on/over the ruins is not. Turkish heritage law applies. No removal of any archaeological material.

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tekirova village (2nm)
• Restaurant: Small café/restaurant at the archaeological site entrance — seasonal
• Provisions: None on site — Tekirova village (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Walk ashore to visit the ruins — the colonnaded main street, theatre, and harbour walls are extraordinary
2. Arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00 to avoid the day-visitor boat crowds
3. Snorkelling along the ancient harbour walls in the north bay reveals submerged Roman stonework
4. For overnight, choose the bay opposite to the forecast wind direction — three options give great flexibility
5. The combination of sea, ruins, pine forest, and Taurus Mountains makes Phaselis one of the finest stops on the entire Turkish coast